“Walking the talk”: Putting environmental social work theory into practice

Abstract

This study explored how environmental social work is done in practice, looking at those who are already doing this work. Six social workers who integrate land and place in their practice in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, participated in a reflective outdoor activity followed by an in-depth interview. Five themes emerged from the data, including Lessons from the Land, Lessons in Ways of Being for Social Workers, Lessons from Being in Relationship, Lessons for our Workplaces and Profession, and Lessons in Practice. This article offers practical examples for social workers and other service providers seeking to connect their practice to the land; it also contributes practice wisdom to emerging discussions regarding both what can be done in environmental social work practice and how.